BORN and raised in Burnley, Sir Ian McKellen is one of our most cherished stars of stage and screen, with a host of trophies on his mantlepiece including six Olivier Awards, a Golden Globe and a Tony.

On Sunday (27) there's a chance to see an affectionate documentary at a local cinema delving into the life and work of the actor.

Director Joe Stephenson's documentary is punctuated by choice excerpts from an epic 14-hour interview.

McKellen talks candidly about his upbringing during the Second World War, the early years in repertory theatre, the repercussions of coming out and his dizzying success in later years in the Lord Of The Rings and X-Men franchises.

The film has been granted unrivalled access to McKellen's private photo albums, personal diaries written in childhood and rare behind-the-scenes footage of theatre shows.

Screenings are followed by a revealing Q&A with Ian McKellen, hosted by Graham Norton at the BFI Southbank in London, which will be broadcast live via satellite to cinemas across the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia.

*McKellen: Playing the Part (12A, 92 mins) is showing at Dorchester Plaza on Sunday, May 27 at 3pm. Call the box office for tickets.